attest

1
as in to certify
to declare (something) to be true or genuine the appraiser attests that the lamp is indeed an original Tiffany

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact an eyewitness who will attest to my innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attest are certify, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

When would certify be a good substitute for attest?

The words certify and attest can be used in similar contexts, but certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

When could vouch be used to replace attest?

The meanings of vouch and attest largely overlap; however, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When is witness a more appropriate choice than attest?

Although the words witness and attest have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of attest Friends and colleagues attest to his character, describing him as a good, honest man and a great leader. The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024 Real love goes beyond simply words or biology though, as Marc Gignac can attest. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Each one has been personally tested, and attested to, by WIRED staff as fit for your winter nesting or holiday prepping needs. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 The Blackhawks are guaranteed nothing in this tear-down rebuild, as the beleaguered Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings can attest. Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attest 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • This will be the third flight of a Vulcan rocket, following two test flights this year to gather data for the US Space Force to certify the rocket for national security missions.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The National Labor Relations Board officially certified the union representing workers, but Amazon has appealed that ruling.
    Jack Moore, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Senior government officials have testified at various government hearings over the last week revealing some extraordinary details about the night of the martial law order.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
  • There is no credible evidence of an insider trading investigation into the former House speaker, much less that Thompson was scheduled to testify against her when he was killed.
    Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The only way to verify this finding, researchers say, is to get more data—so archaeologists will need to discover more human remains from the Clovis culture.
    Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
  • In addition, administration in charge of verifying speakers’ residency can more easily confirm a Tennessee residency over a Davidson specific one.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Gaga Mistake Day When Grandma comes for a visit, silliness and creativity are guaranteed, in this funny and endearing book by bestselling novelist Emma Straub; her kids' gaga, Susan Straub; and award-winning illustrator Jessica Love.
    Megan Gambino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024
  • His contract is lightly guaranteed for next season, but that money can come off the books thanks to a team option in Wiseman’s contract covering the 2025-26 season.
    Tony East, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Police declined to give casualty numbers, confirming only a large-scale operation at the market, where people had gathered to celebrate in the days leading up to the Christmas holidays.
    Andrey Sychev and Tanya Wood, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The students arrived safely back in Nashville Thursday and were back in classes Friday morning, the school confirmed.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • These Latino families have an answer ‎ Taliban affirms that stoning will be punishment for adulterers — especially women ‎ RFK Jr. is not alone.
    Marc Silver, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
  • For Sanchez, placing second in the magazine's 10th annual Ultimate Guy contest affirmed his decision to stop drinking and drastically turn his life around.
    Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to review the 1st Circuit's decision, arguing a new sentencing proceeding would impose significant burdens on the victims of the 2013 bombing.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Labor advocates argue that the level of control Amazon exerts over these workers' conditions more closely resembles an employer-employee relationship.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Rice University in Houston, Texas, witnessed an apparent murder-suicide on the first day of classes on August 26.
    Karina Tsui, Holly Yan and Nicole Chavez, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
  • During the 2024 season, Red Bull witnessed a strong beginning with Max Verstappen securing seven wins out of the first ten races.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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